Help

Newsletter

Bacteria advisory issued for Tybee's Polk Street Beach

A health advisory has been issued for Tybee Island’s Polk Street beach because of an increase risk of illness based on bacteria levels.

A routine water quality test taken Tuesday showed a high level of enterococci bacteria in the waters off the beach on the northern most portion of Tybee, at the mouth of the Savannah River from the end of the beach to the jetty, said Sally Silbermann, spokeswoman for the Chatham County Health Department.

Health officials urge people not to swim or wade in the water until the advisory is lifted. Fish and other seafood caught from that area should be washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, Silbermann said.

Despite the advisory, the beach remains open, she added.

The area will be retested on July 25 and the advisory will be lifted when tests show the bacteria levels meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended standards.

Jobs

Search Savannah jobs

More

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan — Marine Corps Captain James E. Frederick, who ejected from a Marine F/A-18 on Dec. 7, was pronounced dead after his body was found during search and rescue operations.